Passing of a Comms Officer
Regret to advise that ROBERTS, Edward Leo (Ted). CDR, RNZN Ret. (Late of Paeroa). Peacefully on the 4th July 2022; in his 86th Year. Dearly loved by Elizabeth, Chris, Nick, Tracey, Bruce, Zita, and all of their families. A man of many talents and “satiable curiosity” (Kipling). “A quiet sleep and a sweet dream when the long trick’s over” (Masefield). A service for Ted will be held at St Paul’s Anglican Church, 31 Willoughby Street, Paeroa, on Thursday 7th July at 11 am, followed by private cremation.
Ted was HMNZS Otago Communications Officer during the 1966 Pearl Harbour/Far East commission. During that time Ted never wore his heart on his sleeve – he always wore a pair of headphones around his neck even when OOW! Ted was fondly known by the ship’s company as: “THE FERRIS” [Big Wheel]. Also, I recall Ted’s USN counterpart at Pearl Harbour saying, “Man he’s definitely one of a kind”. Ted retired as a Commander. No question, Ted will be remembered by many as a man’s man and a Kiwi good bugger!
The Holy Grail Communicator ‘Piping Party’ is ready for your arrival, Ted – so, it’s time to put aside the golf clubs and go and join all of your friends around the Heavenly Rum Tub for a special MR FERRIS Knees Up!
E HOA E HOA E KOre rawa e warewarehia to mahi pai!
last saw Ted Roberts when he was CO of Wakefield “83-85? When I went down to relieve Bob Hill. Was also SCO on Waikato 1988? when I was on there. Some unhappy Mids onboard put a snake in his bunk! Placky one of course but didn’t it scare the shit out of old Ferris. His scurs turned to custard!
I attended his Funeral Service in Paeroa with Gerry Wright.
RIP Ted….Bill B
Ted was CO of Wakefield when I relieved Bob Hill 1982 – Arranged a “Dining In” for him at the WOs & Sgts Mess Fort Dorset.
Back a bit he was SCO on Waikato with me ’68/69
He must have upset couple of Mids onboard. Thus they went ashore in Singers, bought a bloody python and stuck it in his pit!
Christ didn’t poor old Ferris nearly shit himself when he discovered the festering thing- even tho it was a placky one ! RIP Ted the Ferris..
Bill B